News from East Liberty Presbyterian Church
June 2, 2010
Loving God, we thank you for your faithful presence in our lives and for the many ways that you call on our hearts. May your Spirit be our guide, comfort, and inspiration.
Spotlight
Ben Jealous to speak at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, June 6
Join us this Sunday as Mr. Benjamin Todd Jealous, the President and CEO of the NAACP, will be a guest in our 11:00 worship service and at a post-worship reception. Prior to serving at the NAACP, he served as President of the Rosenberg Foundation, Director of the U.S. Human Rights Program at Amnesty International, and Executive Director of the National Newspaper Publishers’ Association.
- Contemporaries: “Looking Back, Looking Ahead.” Come early (9:15 am), to share a potluck breakfast. We will review our last nine months together and discuss ideas for fall classes. Second floor parlor.
- Journey with Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20–21, (22–29), 30–39; 1 Kings 8:22–23, 41-43;Psalm 96; Psalm 96:1–9 Galatians 1:1–12; Luke 7:1–10. Led by Jan Irvin. Second floor library.
- Parenting Circle: We’ll share joys and concerns, and ideas for new topics. Coffee will be provided. First floor, Harambe room.
- Seekers: “Faith Triumphs in Trouble.” The devastation of the earthquake in Haiti is overwhelming, but the faith of the Haitian people persist. They will persevere. Join us as we learn of a people who know the difference between what they need and what they want. Nadine Banks, an ELPC Elder and former missionary in Haiti, will share her experiences with the Haitian people from 1998–2005. Second floor, room 234.
- Soul Food, led by the Rev. Cynthia Jackson. Our theme is “The Heart of the Seed,” as we continue our study of Joyce Rupp’s book Fresh Bread. Second floor, Pastor’s conference room.
Additional worship and prayer opportunities during the week
- Taizé prayer service: Every
 Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Chapel. (No simple supper until the fall.) Childcare available from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm. June 2 Taizé service will be followed at 8:15 with a writing workshop led by Laurie Arnold.
- Labyrinth prayer walk (Note new hours): Wednesday, June 2, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm. Monday, June 7, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. In the Social Hall.
- Centering prayer: Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 pm. Room 250.
Youth and Young Adults
- From Saturday, June 5 to Sunday, June 6, youth in grades 6–12 will host a 30-hour famine to raise donations for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund, to provide relief to earthquake victims. Youth also will participate in a service project and celebrate God’s goodness during a midnight worship service.
ELPC weekly news highlights
 Summer schedule begins next Sunday, June 13
Our summer schedule begins June 13. The Good Samaritan service continues at its regular time, 8:00 am. The Journey and 11:00 Sanctuary worship services will be combined into one 10:00 am service. The 10:00 service will be in the sanctuary during the month of June; for the months of July and August, the 10 am service will be held outside in our church courtyard (weather permitting). Our fall schedule resumes on Rally Day, September 12.
“Meet God on the Mountain,” Vacation Church School: June 28 - July 2
 Children age 3 1/2 (potty trained) through Grade 5 are invited to explore Bible stories of mystery, power, and truth that will take them on an exciting journey, and help them experience God’s presence in their lives. Our days will be filled with worship, recreation, arts and crafts, service, and fun, plus, a mid-week field trip to Squaw Valley Park. Download the registration form. Download the volunteer form. ELPC is pleased to offer VCS to families free of charge. To help cover our program’s costs, we are seeking donations from our ELPC family to purchase supplies and snacks. If you can help, please take a tag from the bulletin board at the bottom of the main stairwell and purchase the items listed on the tag. Donations are due back no later than Sun., June 20.
June Reaching Out available on website
The June “Reaching Out” newsletter is now available on our website, including Rev. Bush’s pastoral message: “... ‘God helps those who help themselves,’ but that’s not quite true. Yes, we are to do the best we can and ever seek to do what is right, but God’s grace most often comes to help those who can’t help themselves. In that assurance comes a real word of hope.” Read more.
Housing ministry opportunities with Open Hand, June 5
Please join our Housing Ministry on Saturday June 5 as we work with Open  Hand Ministries to finish work on the rehabbed Garfield home, and to work in the Garfield Community Garden. RSVP to Emily Rosenthal (412) 963-0139 or The Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy, (412) 441-3800 x30.
Art show, “Pondered Pieces” by Laura Landry; opens Sunday, June 6
 Our last exhibit until the fall features Laura Landry, a local artist. The exhibit will be open from June 6 through June 20. A portion of the sales benefit ELPC. For more information, please contact the Rev. Phil Jamison, (412) 462-4689. In room 234 and in the Second Floor Parlor.
“Young at Heart” Luncheon, June 6, RSVP’s are due
 The Board of Deacons will once again honor the seniors of ELPC with a luncheon in the Social Hall on Sunday, June 6 after the 11 am worship service. The event includes fun entertainment and conversation about the days gone by. If you are 65 or older, please wear red! Please RSVP to Kate Carlson, (412) 441.3800 x17. Two or more guests per person, cost is $10.
In memoriam: Frank Richard Bush, 1928-2002
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Rev. Randy Bush and his family on the recent passing of his father, Frank Bush, who died on May 29. Mr. Bush’s obituary appeared in the Kansas City Star (where an online guest book is available): Frank Richard “Dick” Bush, 82, filled a variety of roles in his life. He grew up in Kansas City, KS, the middle child of Charles and Thelma Bush, and attended Argentine High School. He volunteered for the Navy at age 17, serving as a signalman in World War II. With his father, he founded the family business, spending over 50 years behind the counter and machinery of Bush Plating Co. Married in 1952 to Virginia Sue “Suzi” Harper, he became the father of three children, and fulfilled one of many personal dreams by owning a farm outside Paola, KS. He was a Presbyterian elder, an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, a friend and caring neighbor to many. Richard was quick to laugh or share a story, and he made friends wherever he went. He was at home in work clothes and suits, and was as comfortable at a livestock sale as he was at the Kansas City Symphony. His neighbors and fellow volunteers valued him because he was the first to ask how he can help yet the last to insist on his own way. His family and friends loved him for his quiet devotion, easy demeanor, and ever-present smile. He was a true caregiver to everyone in his life. Devoted to his wife and family, he will be missed yet lovingly remembered for his work ethic, generosity, integrity, and faith. A short battle with cancer ended his physical life on May 29. The rich story of his entire life will be celebrated at a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2010, held at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. Visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, on Wednesday, June 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Richard's surviving family includes his wife, Suzi; his children, Rick (Barbara) Bush, Randy (Beth) Bush, and Amy (Jim) Cramer; his sisters, Dolores McClanahan and Diane (Gorman) Ayers; his nine grandchildren; two nieces, and three great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be sent to Village Presbyterian Church for their Habitat for Humanity program. Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home. 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131. (816) 942-2004.
ELPC in the Community
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Food Pantry
The EECM Food Pantry provides food for individuals and families facing hunger in Pittsburgh. June’s “Food of the Month” is canned fruit.
East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) Men’s Shelter
During the month of June, the Deacons are collecting soap and deodorant for EECM’s Men’s Shelter. Donations may be left in the hallway baskets. Thank you for your support! |